Sunday, Gold Coast United players attended the final event of the Surfers Paradise Festival.

Held at Eileen Peters Park, the Great Aussie BBQ gave Gold Coasters the chance to see top chefs Luke Cowden and Josh McAuley live in action while former Australian Idol contestant Casey Barnes and other musicians performed throughout the day.

United's A-League stars arrived for the later part of the event and gave Gold Coasters the chance to get autographs and merchandise while the kids played soccer with Raoul and Juan, entertainers on the day.

Mid-fielder Zenon Caravella said he enjoyed the event and though it was a good way to get Gold Coasters involved in the Club.

"I think it's a great day for the community and it's good to come down here and get the kids involved in soccer," he said.

Holland-born Defender Bas van den Brink agrees and said soccer is a great sport for kids to be involved in because it gives the benefits of a team sport without being as physical as sports such as rugby league.

Despite playing for an Australian team now, Brink hasn't forgotten where he first learned the sport.

"For the World Cup, I would go for Holland, definitely," he said.

With fireworks closing the event, the Surfers Paradise Festival proved to be extremely popular.

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By Andra Sincari, guest author and student of Bond University's Journalism program.